'Colony' Renewed for Third Season at USA Network

In this story

The renewal comes as exec producer Carlton Cuse is poised to say farewell to two of his other shows in 2017.

USA Network is staying in the colony.

Ahead of this week's second-season finale, USA Network has handed out a third-season renewal for Carlton Cuse and Ryan Condal drama Colony, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The show, a co-production between Legendary Television and Universal Cable Productions, has ranked as cable's top scripted series on Thursdays among total viewers. The third season will again consist of 13 episodes, on par with its sophomore run and up from 10 in its first outing. The alien invasion drama, which is set in Los Angeles and stars Josh Holloway (Lost) and Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), will return in 2018.

"Colony continues to fire on all cylinders creatively, with Carlton, Ryan and our incredible cast and crew striking a deep chord around the themes of humanity, survival and family," Chris McCumber, president of entertainment networks at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, said Tuesday in a statement. "Along with our partners Legendary Television and Universal Cable Productions, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for our heroes next season."

Colony's renewal comes as Cuse is poised to say farewell to two of his other cable dramas this season, with A&E's Bates Motel currently wrapping its run and FX's The Strain due to close up shop later this year. The prolific producer, who reunited with Lost's Holloway on Colony, next has Amazon's Jack Ryan adaptation awaiting a premiere date. For her part, Callies next reprises her role on Fox's Prison Break revival, which bows Tuesday.

"When Carlton and Ryan first pitched Colony, they described it as 'the Nazi occupation of France, with aliens.' In a world increasingly filled with uncertainty about authoritarian regimes, season three will forge an even deeper connection with our audience,” said Jeff Wachtel, president and chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “It’s a quality show that we know will stand the test of time.”

The renewal comes a day after NBCU-owned USA picked up Falling Water for a second season. The cabler's slate also consists of Mr. Robot, Queen of the South, Shooter, Suits and freshman The Sinner, as well as comedy Playing House.